I was very lucky and received disability after applying for the first time. My doctors were a huge reason for that. Talk to them about it first to see what their opinion is of your level of disability and if they will help you with the paperwork. I did not have to get an attorney, thank goodness.

I started with writing a journal with dates and times of symptom occurrences that made it hard to function normally and what I had to do to recover a bit. Then I took it to my next Dr's visit and asked them their opinion. Then just go from there.

I don't know where you are..in Canada I am on a Disability because of MS..Social Security here wasn't giving me too much...

Hope this helps. SSA takes your age, education, past work, medical conditions, limitations with daily activities (showering, chores, meals), and medical records that support the mentioned limitations. Also must be seeking treatment and still have limitations.
This site gives you the disability judges in your area and their approval rating.
http://disabilityjudges.com/

Here are the SSA listings, you don't have to meet all the qualifications but if you are severe enough you may equal the listings.
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/blu...

Then depending on your age you may meet grid rules.
http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-app-p0...

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Brandyml sounds like you know a lot about this disability stuff.